The recently revived Perth Theatre has scored a top industry award for one of its latest productions.
The Edwardian venue, which was regenerated last year after a £16.6 million upgrade, hosted an evening of stars on Sunday with the prestigious Critics Awards for Theatre in Scotland (CATS).
Actors, directors, producers and other talents gathered in the Fair City for Scottish theatre’s equivalent of the Oscars.
And Perth claimed a victory for star Jessica Hardwick, who took the Best Female Performance title for her role in the highly acclaimed Knives in Hens.
The drama, steered by artistic director Lu Kemp, was seen as a statement of intent for Perth Theatre when it re-opened after four years of refurbishment.
And Pitlochry Festival Theatre also picked up a top award. Peter Artnott’s Monarch of the Glen was named Best New Play.
The show, an adaptation of the classic Compton Mackenzie novel, was commissioned by theatre bosses after the success of the Whisky Galore musical in 2009.
The biggest winner was Rhinoceros, a new version of a classic play which responds to the rise of fascism in Europe.
The show won four CATS including the supreme award, Best Production. It also picked up Best Director, Best Male Performance and Best Music and Sound.
Space Ape, which was also performed at Perth Theatre, was named Best Production for Children and Young People.
Co-convener of the ceremony Mark Fisher said: “Investment is Scottish theatre is vital for its future.
“We are delighted to be here in Perth Theatre celebrating the re-opening of this historic building following its major refurbishment, which will ensure it continues to be a beacon for artistic endeavour for generations to come.”
Co-convener Joyce McMillan added: “Theatre is all about opening new perspectives on the world we live in, in many ways that can be playful, tragic or just plan thrilling.
“And this year, Scottish theatre carried out that job brilliantly, in what have not always been easy times, for many of Scotland’s theatre companies.”
The ceremony was hosted by two times CATS-winner Blythe Duff, after original presenter Jackie Kay fell ill.